Going to GMIF this summer...for the first time

[>needing a username&lt]

Hi, I'm going to GMIF this summer and I am planning on majoring in HI. I'm also going to get a minor. I don't, however, know what category to get a minor in. Is there any particular category that GMIF really helps with? And also, do the extended sessions really help? Would OI be an option?

[SniffyGuy]

I wouldn't say there's any one category that GMIF really helps with more than the others - the staff is well-versed in all areas of speech. Honestly, minor in what you want to compete with. OI certainly is an option (though since you're minoring it, you may want to just minor in poetry, since the time alotted for minors isn't as much as majors. that's what I would do at least). Regarding the extended session, yes it absolutely helps. A lot. Basically, during the main session, you build your piece to the point that you can perform it. You'll work with your lab leaders and maybe a couple other people on it max. If you leave after that, you'll still probably have plenty of touching up to do before you can really say you're ready for heated competition. The extension for a large part takes care of that, because in the course of those three days so many coaches will critique your performance that it will grow exponentionally. Seriously, when I stayed for extension at UTNIF (and its the same thing basically, except at GMU) my piece changed and improved so much that my lab leaders barely recognized it when i showed it to them afterward. If you're willing to fork over the money it is TOTALLY worth it.